How to Make a DIY Cat Deterrent Spray

Best Cat Spray Deterrent

You might love your kitty to bits but that doesn’t have to mean that they get free reign of the house – some areas might need to be restricted for them, either for their own safety or to keep your possessions intact. As you probably already know, some cats, due to various reasons, may begin to display some destructive behavior. This can include chewing on items, scratching things (and people), spraying urine to mark territory, or generally causing a ruckus. Besides all this, the cats are endlessly inquisitive. They will want to snoop everywhere, especially in places that seem tucked away or off-limits. In order to successfully counter such behavior, you will need a reliable cat spray deterrent. It is a simple but super-efficient solution that will ensure your destructive little kitten doesn’t get into trouble or ruins your valuable possessions. Here’s our pick of the 10 best cat spray deterrent products to keep your feline on her best behavior!

Are Bernedoodles High Maintenance?

Bernedoodles – a delightful mix of Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles – have skyrocketed in popularity, and it’s easy to see why. They’re charming, intelligent, playful, and often sport hypoallergenic coats that make them ideal companions for many dog lovers. But are these lovable hybrids high-maintenance pets? While Bernedoodles aren’t the most demanding breed, they do have specific needs when it comes to grooming, exercise, and mental stimulation. Here’s everything you need to know to decide if a Bernedoodle fits your lifestyle.Grooming: A Must for That Gorgeous CoatOne of the first questions potential owners ask is whether Bernedoodles’ grooming needs are overwhelming. These dogs typically have low-shedding coats, ranging from wavy to curly, but that doesn’t mean they’re entirely fuss-free. Without regular maintenance, their fur can easily mat, leading to discomfort and skin issues.Brushing: Aim to brush your Bernedoodle’s coat 2–3 times a week to keep it tidy and tangle-free. Investing in a high-quality grooming kit can make the task much easier.

How Much Exercise Does a Cockapoo Need?

Cockapoos are known as one of the most popular hybrid dog breeds. Thanks to their intelligent nature and friendly demeanor, they are adored across the globe. A distinct mixture of a playful Poodle and a gentle Cocker Spaniel, these dogs are very energetic and fun. And this is exactly why exercise is so important for these pooches – it ensures a Cockapoo remains healthy and mentally stimulated. Without regular exercise, many things can go awry for these doggos. This is why you should know just how much exercise is enough for a Cockapoo, and make sure you provide a balanced daily routine for your little furry friend. How Much Exercise Does a Cockapoo Need?Even though these dogs are energetic, they are not considered sporting dogs. This means that, on average, they will be quite content with around 30 to 60 minutes of quality physical activity each day. But even so, the exact amount of time will depend on several factors, such as the dog’s age, size, and energy levels. Some dogs simply love to chill, relax, or snooze, while others prefer to zoom about to no end and that stands true for Cockapoos, too. After all, it is only natural that a young Cockapoo will need more physical activity, and an older one prefers short and less intense exercise sessions. Of course, exercise is not all about running about and jumping through hoops. There is also mental stimulation. While running, walking, and good playing will help burn that extra energy and maintain a slim physique, certain games and special dog puzzle toys will help keep their minds sharp and healthy as well. 

Does Your Pet Have Runny Eyes? Let's Clean 'Em Up!

(photo credit: Irina Satersdova / shutterstock.com)My Schnoodles have a deep, darker fur and while it’s no excuse, it is one of the reasons that I tend to miss that crusty collection of goop that gathers at the inner corner of their eye and ultimately begins a descent toward the sides of their beaks.Now, this mucky discharge is a normal function of your pet’s immune system, and it’s how they rid their eyes of the daily dust and debris that can collect and irritate. But while it's not necessarily an issue to worry about, it can be unsightly (particularly with light-colored dogs or cats) and deserves to be addressed on a regular basis—in other words, cleaned up.If the discharge is smelly or excessive, you’ll want your vet to weigh in on whether your pet may have an eye infection or be suffering from allergies that require a little more care than a simple wipe-down.Assuming that’s not the case and its just a matter of working eye maintenance into your pet’s hygiene regimen, there’s a wide range of products that are superb at tackling the crust and also removing any staining. What I love most, is that there is something suited to every pet’s personal preference. Because let’s face it when it comes to cleaning up your little guy’s face, it’s never one size fits all, is it?

Rescue Dog Goes on Tour with Pink to Find Forever Home

We often hear about musicians and artists making an impact through financial donations or participating in charitable events. But a new heartwarming story of a dog’s search for his forever home has been capturing the hearts of animal lovers everywhere. Graham Cracker was found by a young girl in the woods of Vilonia, Arkansas, with his mother and littermates. She had been sneaking food to the stray mama dog, trying to do what she could to help. After her mother found out about the dogs, she contacted a rescue team to find them and get the pups to safety. This was when their journey led the pups to The Bond Between, a non-profit rescue organization in Minnesota. But for Graham Cracker, this was just the beginning! On October 17th, an announcement on Instagram revealed that Graham Cracker had found a loving but very unique foster parent. After seeing the young pup’s adorable photos, Grammy-winner Pink invited the pup, who appears to be a Labrador Retriever mix, to join her and her family on tour. She went on to announce the decision to her fans during her St. Paul, MN show:“We rescued a puppy from this awesome organization called The Bond Between. His name is Graham Cracker. He’s currently peeing all over my dressing room,” Pink stated while seated at her piano on stage. “We’re actually – I haven’t told anybody this yet, but we’re gonna foster him for the tour, and he’s gonna go on this big carnival adventure with us.”

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How Do You Get Rid of Ear Mites in Dogs?

If you’ve ever noticed your dog shaking their head excessively or scratching at their ears like there’s no tomorrow, ear mites could be the culprit. These tiny parasites, scientifically known as Otodectes cynotis, make a home inside the ear canal, feeding on skin debris and causing intense irritation. Left untreated, ear mites can lead to infections and more serious complications - but the good news is they’re completely treatable with the right approach.

How to Choose the Right Perches for Your Bird

A pet bird needs perches to rest, play, and even clean their beak. But when you start shopping for perches for your feathered companion’s cage, you might feel overwhelmed by all of the options. There are perches of all different sizes, materials, and shapes, and you might not know what’s right for your bird. That’s why we’ve put together this brief guide to bird perches.

Great Dane Draws Ire From Fellow Plane Passengers

Claimed to be an emotional support dog, Instagram followers share their thoughts.

Is Your Cat Hiding Their Pain? 10 Subtle Signs to Watch For

As cat parents, we want the best for our furry best friends. But, ensuring they are always feeling their best can be challenging. Cats, by nature, are masters of disguise, skilled at hiding any sign that they may not be well as a survival tactic. In the wild, showing weakness would make them vulnerable. In our homes, hiding their pain can make it challenging to recognize when something’s wrong. oThat’s why understanding the subtle signs of feline discomfort is so vital. Recognizing your cat is in pain allows you to seek help from your veterinarian, identifying the problem and giving them much-needed relief.This post will explore 10 key signs that your cat might be hiding from pain, from changes in grooming and eating habits to shifts in behavior and sleeping patterns, empowering you to better understand and care for your best friend.Sign 1: Changes in Grooming HabitsCats are known for being incredibly clean animals, spending a large portion of their day cleaning and maintaining their coats. If you notice your cat’s grooming habits have changed, it could be a telltale sign they are in pain.They may suddenly neglect their grooming because the pain prevents them from bending or moving in the ways necessary to keep up with it, resulting in matted fur or an unkempt appearance. For example, a cat suffering from arthritis might have a difficult time reaching their back or hips, leading to matted fur in that area.On the other hand, you may notice that your cat is over-grooming, mainly focused on a specific spot, like excessive licking, rubbing, or pawing at the location of their pain. This can result in hot spots, bald spots, or skin irritation. For example, if your cat has injured their paw, you may notice they are specifically licking that paw to the point of creating further skin problems. Sign 2: Changes in Eating or Drinking HabitsAnother regular aspect of your cat’s life that could be disrupted by pain is your cat’s eating habits. You may even see your cat approach their food bowl, sniff it, and turn away without eating. Loss of appetite is a common sign of trouble, often caused by dental pain, nausea, or general discomfort. A cat with a cracked or broken tooth may avoid chewing, while aches or pains in their body when trying to bend down to reach the food dish can discourage them from eating.It’s equally important to monitor your cat’s drinking habits. Both increased and decreased thirst could signal distress. A cat who suddenly starts drinking more water may be experiencing kidney problems or diabetes, while decreased thirst often accompanies nausea or other internal issues.Sign 3: Changes in Litter Box BehaviorHave you noticed your once litter-trained cat is suddenly having unwanted “accidents” around the house? A cat experiencing pain and discomfort may have difficulty entering or exiting the litter box, especially if it has high sides. Arthritis can make it painful for your cat to squat or position themselves properly to go to the bathroom. In some cases, this can lead to your cat associating the litter box with pain, especially if they experience discomfort while using it. This may discourage them from using the litter box in the future.Another warning sign could be changes in how often they go to the bathroom. For example, frequent, small amounts of urine or straining to pee could indicate a urinary tract infection. At the same time, difficulty defecating could mean your cat is experiencing constipation or other abdominal pain.Recognizing these changes and patterns clearly indicates that something is “off.”Sign 4: Reduced Activity or MobilityA cat may adjust or reduce movement or activity due to feelings of pain or discomfort. For example, a cat in pain might avoid activities they once enjoyed, like jumping onto your couch or bed, climbing their scratch post, or playing with their favorite toys.This reluctance could stem from several sources, including arthritis, joint pain, or muscle injuries. These conditions could make even the simplest movements more painful, leading your cat to conserve energy, avoid too much activity, and show a general disinterest in their usual routine.You may also notice your cat is starting to sleep more than usual, as rest becomes their primary way of coping with the discomfort they are experiencing. Any sudden or gradual decrease in your cat’s normal activities should be considered a potential red flag.Sign 5: Changes in Posture or MovementPain can significantly impact a cat’s posture and how they walk, also known as their gait. You may notice your cat hunching their back, limping, or moving with an unusual stiffness. These changes in how they hold themselves or move can be caused by a variety of painful conditions, such as arthritis, neurological problems, or recent injuries.For example, a cat with arthritis may hunch or stand differently to relieve pressure on their sore joints, while a cat with a paw injury might shift their weight off the affected paw to avoid causing further pain, resulting in a limp.Sign 6: Increased Vocalization Whether your cat is naturally chatty or generally a quieter housemate, any changes in their vocal patterns could be an attempt to communicate with you. While cats are known for their meows and purrs, pain could lead to an increase or decrease in vocalization. A cat experiencing pain and discomfort may meow, hiss, or growl, especially when touched or moved. Conversely, they could become unusually quiet, especially if vocalizing itself is painful. A sudden increase in yowling, particularly at night, or a sharp, pained cry when touched are more likely signals that something’s wrong than a typical meow for food or attention. Learning to distinguish between normal cat vocalizations and those associated with pain is key!

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Can Dogs Get Hiccups?

Nobody likes hiccups, least of all dogs! That’s right – dogs can get hiccups just like humans. Those pesky little rhythmic contractions of the diaphragm can go on forever, producing that classic “hic” sound and annoying everyone, starting with the one who is hiccuping, even when it’s your pooch. If you are surprised to learn that dogs can get hiccups, read on to find out what causes it and how to stop it.Why Do Dogs Get Hiccups?Hiccups are not a serious issue and they occur in dogs for the same reasons they appear in humans. They are brought about by an involuntary spasm of the diaphragm muscle. This is immediately followed by a sudden closure of the vocal cords, resulting in the classic hiccup sound. But still, there are several reasons why these spasms might occur. Here are just a few:Eating too quickly:If your pet consumes water or food very quickly, they might swallow air as well. The excess air can irritate the diaphragm and result in hiccups.Too much excitement or stress:When a dog is nervous, too excited, or in a stressful situation, they can also hiccup. This most often occurs in puppies, who are generally much more excitable than adult dogs. Digestive upset:Dogs are voracious eaters and won’t be picky about their food. Sometimes, however, they can have digestive issues such as indigestion and gas. This then irritates the diaphragm, leading to hiccups. This is the most common occurrence, and results from the dog eating something that doesn’t really agree with their stomach – if you have an indiscriminate eater in your household, it pays to have activated charcoal on hand to ease their tummy troubles.

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Why Isn't My Old Dog Eating? A Guide to Senior Canine Appetite Issues

As the parent of a senior dog, the slightest change can raise a red flag. But noticing your dog turn their nose up at their food bowl is absolutely heart-wrenching. Appetite changes are a common concern for dog parents when their pups enter their golden years, and it’s completely understandable to feel anxious.A dog’s appetite is a key indicator of their health, especially as they age, and their food provides the fuel needed to keep them going. A change in appetite isn’t a simple problem with a one-size-fits-all solution. Getting your pup back on track starts by identifying and addressing the potential underlying cause (medical or non-medical).This post will discuss the most common reasons for appetite loss in dogs, share practical tips to stimulate their appetite, and help you decide when to contact your veterinarian.Medical Reasons for Appetite Loss in Dogs As our dogs enter their senior years, they experience many changes that can significantly impact their appetite and overall well-being. A slight change in appetite is often normal. Understanding these changes is important as it will help you meet their changing needs, providing them with the best care. Many medical changes happen at this stage of life, as well as an increased risk of certain diseases and illnesses. Here are some of the potential medical reasons for your dog’s loss of appetite: Dental Problems Dental health is another common concern among senior dogs that could impact your dog’s appetite. If your dog has broken teeth, cavities, sore gums, abscesses, or other dental pain, it may lead to difficulty chewing and swallowing. Pay attention to what your dog is drawn to when they do eat. If they are hesitant to eat hard food but more open to soft or wet foods, this could be a sign that they are dealing with oral discomfort and a dental checkup is needed.  The best way to prevent dental issues in your senior dog is to stay on top of the recommended regular dental cleanings and examinations. If a problem starts to develop, the veterinarian can catch and address it early, preventing it from becoming something far worse (and far more painful). Gastrointestinal Issues In their older years, many dogs will develop a “sensitive stomach,” indicating a change to their gastrointestinal system. Conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and pancreatitis can cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort, all of which can impact their appetite. Pay careful attention to your dog’s bathroom habits. Stool consistency and frequency can tell you a lot about how their digestive system operates, with changes to their routine acting as a red flag for digestive problems. Kidney and Liver Disease As our dogs age, their organs may struggle to function at the same level they did in their younger years. Both kidney disease and liver disease are more common at this stage, often resulting in nausea, vomiting, lethargy, and appetite loss. Your dog may also experience increased thirst and urination, changes to the color of their urine, or abdominal swelling. Your veterinarian can perform the necessary testing to diagnose these conditions, including blood tests and liver function tests. Early diagnosis is essential to manage kidney or liver disease, significantly improving their quality of life. Heart Disease It may come as no shock that, like humans, a dog’s heart health may be impacted as they get older. Heart disease can reduce blood flow through the body and cause fluid buildup, decreasing their appetite. You may notice symptoms like coughing, difficulty breathing, and fatigue. If your dog shows any of these signs, a cardiac evaluation is needed to get to the bottom of the issue. Cancer It’s not a condition we like talking about, but the reality is that our aging pups face an increased risk of many types of cancer. Among other symptoms, this can cause appetite loss and weight loss. Early detection and treatment are vital to improve their prognosis and quality of life. Regular checkups and screening tests can help catch this problem early. Chronic Pain Senior dogs often experience chronic pain conditions, such as arthritis and joint pain. This can significantly impact a senior dog’s appetite by making them feel nauseous and uncomfortable, as well as making it physically difficult to eat like they normally would. Sometimes, the solution can be as simple as lifting the dog’s dish using a raised feeder to limit how much they have to stretch their neck and back down to eat. They may also need medication or physical therapy to help manage the pain and discomfort, helping to improve their comfort and, ultimately, their appetite. Infections Systemic infections can cause fevers and nausea, resulting in a loss of appetite. If your dog is lethargic, has a fever, or shows any other sign of illness, a veterinary exam can identify the source of the problem. Your vet can recommend medications to fight the infection and relieve the uncomfortable side effects. Slowing Metabolism One of the biggest changes to consider is the natural slowing of their metabolism. As our dogs age, they need fewer calories to maintain weight. They may also experience a decreased sense of smell and taste, making their food less enticing. The combination of these two often means that older dogs eat less – both because they need less to feel full and because they aren’t as tempted to eat for the joy of the meal. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD)Finally, like humans, a dog’s cognitive health can decline as they age. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) may not appear to impact your dog’s gut health, but you’d be surprised how much it can affect their appetite. Similar to Alzheimer’s disease, CCD can cause your dog to experience confusion, disorientation, and anxiety, disrupting their routine and impacting their eating habits. They may forget when to eat or become anxious during mealtime, causing them to eat less than they would have normally.

Valentine’s Day Flowers That Are Dangerous to Pets

Flowers, jewelry, and sweet treats are popular ways to show your love to someone on Valentine’s Day. But if you share your home with dogs or cats, be careful about which flowers you put on display, as many of them are toxic to pets.

Ready to De-Stress Bath Time for Your Dog?

(photo credit: Gudman / shutterstock.com)I was raised to believe you shouldn’t bathe a dog because it would deplete the natural oils in their fur and dry out their skin. Back in the day, it was assumed that a dog’s ability to self-groom was sufficient to take care of whatever clean-up they might need.Fast forward, and with dogs sleeping in our beds and snuggling on our sofas, we’re suddenly much more aware of the need to keep our pets well-groomed and yes, smelling fresher.Aesthetics aside, bathing your dog not only allows you to check for ticks, sores, and lumps that shouldn’t be there, but a periodic scrub can also keep his skin and hair, healthy. With some breeds such as Yorkshire Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, Dachshunds, and West Highland Terriers (to name a few), a skin condition called Seborrhea can be common. Yes, just like with humans it’s down to an increased production of skin cells and/or skin oils.When it’s the dry version, you get flaky, scaly skin cells (dandruff) caused by excess keratin production. When oily, you get a waxy substance comes from the sebaceous glands which causes your dog’s coat to look greasy.Whether your pooch falls into the above category or he simply loves to dig, burrow, and roll in whatever he can when given the chance, cleaning him up is something you both deserve.

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PawSwing: Hands Free Grooming Experience Your Cat Will Actually Love

As someone who lives with six cats, pet hair is a daily reality. Skipping even a day of vacuuming means finding tufts in every corner, and lint-rolling myself is practically a ritual before I leave the house. That’s why I was eager – but skeptical – to try the PawSwing: an automatic self-groomer that promises to handle pet hair without fuss. A grooming gadget that works, looks cute, and that cats actually enjoy using? Sign me up!How Does It Work?The concept is simple. PawSwing is an automatic self groomer for cats which provides a 360° combing experience – no electricity required. It is equipped with innovative bionic tongue brushes (which are essentially brushes with short soft bristles that mimic the hook shape of cat’s tongue surface) that are situated on the grooming disc, aka the entrance to a felt box. The disc can be adjusted to suit different body types, so both petite kitties and chonky cuties can get the best grooming experience.